Greg Perry

Not a glamorous subject.  Sewers and septics.  Yet without proper waste disposal, what would our home ownership experience look like?    After we turn the flush lever, we don't even want to think about what happens....we just want it to go away.  For our forefathers, their image of home included that little old shack out back with the 1/2 moon.  Deluxe accommodations were a 2 holer and a sears catalog.

Before purchasing a home, you should have an "as built" (map of the septic and drain-field system).  As-builts can be acquired at the King County Health Department.  The as-built will also tell you how many bedrooms the septic tank is rated for.  Your purchase and sale contract should include a septic tank pumping and inspection and an inspection of the drain-field. 

Septic tanks are an effective way of handling wastewater -- if they are maintained properly.  With literally thousands of On Site Sewer Systems servicing homes on the eastside, I thought I would pass these septic care tips to you.

1. Practice water conservation. The more wastewater you produce, the more the soil must treat and dispose. To reduce your water use:

• Use water-saving devices.
• Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures.
• Reduce toilet reservoir volume or flow.
• Take shorter showers.
• Take baths with a partially filled tub.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.

1. Keep accurate records. Know where you septic tank system is and keep a diagram of its location. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health agency. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home.
2. Inspect your system once each year. Check the sludge and scum levels inside your septic tank to make sure that the layers of solids are not within the "early warning" levels. The tank also should be checked to see if the baffles or tees are in good condition. Periodically inspect the drain field for odors, wet spots or surfacing sewage. If you drain-field has inspection pipes, check them to see if there is a liquid level continually over 6 inches. This may be an early indication of a problem.
3. Pump out your septic tank when needed. Don't wait until you have a problem. Routine pumping can prevent failures, such as clogging of the drain-field and sewage back-up into the home. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank and require more frequent pumping.
4. Never flush harmful materials into the septic tank. Grease, cooking fats, newspaper, paper towels, rage, coffee ground, sanitary napkins, and cigarettes cannot easily decompose in the tank. Chemicals such as solvents, oils, paint and pesticides are harmful to the system's proper operation and may pollute the groundwater. Septic tank additives do not improve the performance of the septic tank, nor do they reduce the need for pumping. For information on the proper disposal of hazardous household waste, call the Recycle Hotline, 1-800-RECYCLE.
5. Keep all runoff away from your system. Water from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, or patios should be diverted away from the septic tank and drain-field area. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff.
6. Protect your system from damage. Keep traffic, such as vehicles, heavy equipment, or livestock off your drain-field or replacement area. The pressure can compact the soil or damage pipes. Before you plant a garden, construct a building, or install a pool, check on the location of your system and replacement area.
7. Landscape your system properly. Don't place impermeable materials over your drain-field or replacement area. Materials, such as concrete or plastic, reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for proper effluent treatment. They also can hinder getting to the system for pumping, inspection, or repair. Grass is the best cover for your system.
8. Never enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or the lack of oxygen can be fatal. Any work to the tank should be done from the outside.
9. Check with your local health agency for help with system problems. Although some malfunctions may require complete drain-field replacement, many problems can be corrected with a minimum amount of cost and effort.

Septic System Failure

 

Warning signs of a failure:

• Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots or lush vegetation growth in the drain-field area.
• Plumbing or septic tank backups.
• Slow draining fixtures.
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.

If you live in the Kirkland City limits, you should be aware of the Kirkland Emergency Sewer Program.

If you notice any of these signs or if you suspect your septic system may be having problems, contact your local health agency for assistance, King County Health Services East Service Center (206) 296-4932.